EEO & Outreach Director

State of Maryland•Annapolis, MD

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Equal Employment Opportunity and Outreach Director is a highly skilled non-managerial position responsible for the establishment and oversight of the agency’s EEO program and outreach for talent and business community relations for the enrichment of the agency’s workforce and procurement process. This position participates in the development, implementation and execution of the agency’s EEO and Outreach policies, programs, plans, and procedures. This position works closely with and supports the Executive Director, Chief Investments Officer and HR staff to ensure alignment with the Agency’s mission statement through community network and outreach, training, and the administration of EEO policies and procedures in accordance with State and Federal EEO laws. The position requires a highly motivated individual with strong customer service skills and executive vision. The position will focus on identifying opportunities for workforce development, including assisting with strategies to recruit and retain workforce talent that is diverse and free from bias. This position will be responsible for investigating and tracking all discrimination and harassment complaints while assisting with all American with Disabilities Act (ADA) request. This position will also conduct and track mandatory sexual harassment prevention training for all staff. Maintain a communication channel, engaging and consulting with the wider Maryland government, community organizations and other relevant bodies for the benefit of the agency’s community outreach. This position is a Special Appointment and will service at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
Six years of administrative staff or professional work.
Candidates may substitute 30 college credit hours from an accredited college or university for each year up to four years of the required experience.
Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and two years of experience in administrative staff or professional work for the required experience.
Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university for the required experience.
Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer involving staff work related to the administration of rules, regulations, policy, procedures and processes, or overseeing or coordinating unit operations or functioning as a staff assistant to a higher ranking commissioned officer on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

Nice To Haves

Three years of experience in EEO compliance.
Three years of hands-on experience conducting workplace investigations involving discrimination, harassment and retaliation.
Experience with federal and state EEO laws (Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FMLA intersection, etc.).
Knowledge of Workplace investigation best practices and anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies.
Certified EEO Professional (EEOP), Certified EEO Investigator, or SHRM certification.

Responsibilities

Implement and manage a governance program, including development of appropriate standards, policies and processes.
Develop and deliver training programs to educate employees on concepts and best practices that cultivate a work environment that fosters complimentary thought, inclusive action and team building.
Investigates complaints of discrimination and workplace harassment.
Consult and update agency executive management and/or agency Fair Practices Officer when appropriate.
Draw conclusions based on factual evidence.
Compose determination report to be issued to the Executive Director for review and consideration. Retain supporting documentation, including litigation, hold requests to IT on files and communication of involved parties when appropriate.
Report on claims and determinations yearly.
Attend EEO-related training to stay up to date with laws, regulations, procedures and best practices.
To ensure that disciplinary actions arising from Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) matters are fair, consistent, legally compliant, and aligned with organizational policy, the EEO Officer and Employee Relations (ER) Manager must engage in timely consultation prior to final disciplinary recommendations. Drafts formal closeout memos to be issued to Complainant for all complaints received.
Understanding, and applying provisions of federal, State and local laws and regulations pertaining to EEO related laws, regulations, programs, policies & procedures relevant to the SPMS and programs.
Reviews HR related Workday transactions to ensure EEO compliance and avoid unintended biases, including disciplinary actions.
Collaborate with senior leadership to help integrate programs that foster integrated missions that identify opportunities for cross-training and succession planning.
Engage staff to identify and leverage opportunities that enhance employee development and overall workplace experience.
Design, Plan, Develop, Update, and Administer training programs, curriculum and materials on the ADA process and Sexual Harassment Prevention Training.
Prepare ADA interactive process documents, reports, and memorandum. Tracks and updates all ADA cases. The Employee Relations Manager will serve as the secondary point of contact for any ADA cases that pose a conflict of interest, or to assist with caseload.
Ensure that a system has been established to periodically evaluate the effectiveness of the unit's overall equal employment opportunity effort.
Prepares and submits the annual EEO report.
Manages special projects directed by the Executive Director and Chief Investment Officer and maintains confidentiality of sensitive personnel information.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

medical, dental, prescription coverage
generous paid leave
participation in the state pension system
supplemental retirement savings options (401(k), 457(b), and more)
on-site fitness center with showers and lockers
24/7 building security
easy access to restaurants, shops, public transit, and major highways
Personal Leave - new State employees are awarded six (6) personnel days annually (prorated based on start date).
Annual Leave - ten (10) days of accumulated annual leave per year.
Sick Leave - fifteen (15) days of accumulated sick leave per year.
Holidays - State employees also celebrate at least thirteen (13) holidays per year.
Pension - State employees earn credit towards a retirement pension.
This position is eligible for teleworking.